The criminal's car has since been seized to be forensically examined, and while he has not been formally arrested in relation to the PSNI investigation, sources have said he is being treated as a chief suspect in the case.

Detectives are also continuing to appeal for information on two other cars; a dark-coloured car using registration GK56 AEG and a silver car, possibly a Ford Focus, using the registration 06WX 6313.

The 27-year-old suspect has previously served a jail term after threatening a garda detective and has a string of previous convictions for burglary-related offences.

Ms Davidson was placed in an induced coma and is continuing to be treated in hospital following the break-in at her home last week.

A young mother described how she found the old-aged pensioner screaming in pain, lying below an open upstairs window.

Vulnerable

Cody Morrison (21) said: "Two people walking past said they had seen four men jumping over the wall into the car, so we knew something bad had happened.

"I looked around the house and saw a window had been jacked open, so I called out to see if anyone was there.

"We just heard the voice saying, 'I'm here'. She was very shaken, very afraid."

The four suspects made off in a black car in the direction of Moore Street.

Detectives are linking the raid on Ms Davidson's home to three other burglaries, also near the Border, on Tuesday night.

The other burglaries happened at Aghaloo Close in Aughnacloy; Richmond Park in Ballygawley; and McDowell Terrace in Seskinore.